Holding steady.
Popularity of Ruthe since 1898
Babies named Ruthe per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 12 |
| 1900s | 65 |
| 1910s | 412 |
| 1920s | 877 |
| 1930s | 284 |
| 1940s | 163 |
| 1950s | 92 |
| 1960s | 32 |
| 1970s | 12 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ruthe is a spelling variant of the venerable biblical name Ruth, which has been a staple of English naming traditions for centuries. While the standard Ruth has seen enduring use, the Ruthe spelling enjoyed a brief period of modest popularity in the early 20th century, peaking in 1924 according to Social Security data. Its trajectory since then has been stable but rare, with very few new registrations in recent decades. The name is a classic example of the early-1900s fashion for modifying traditional names with an extra 'e,' giving it a slightly more ornate feel while retaining all the cultural and religious associations of the original.
Ruthe is a creative spelling of the classic biblical name Ruth, derived from the Hebrew noun re'ut, meaning 'friend, companion.' Ruth is a central figure in the Book of Ruth and has been widely used among English speakers since the Protestant Reformation. The spelling Ruthe emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of a broader trend of adding an 'e' to the end of biblical names for a distinctive look.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ruthie, Rue
Variants: Ruth
Sibling names for Ruthe
Names that share Ruthe's style, for a brother or sister.
